7 Reasons to Get Out

October 2008

By Michelle Broder Van Dyke

Published: 2008.09.21 09:29 PM

Stretch Out Oct. 30

Saltimbanco, the oldest Cirque Du Soleil show, has been running for 14 years. After visiting 75 cities it will finally make its debut in Honolulu. The show is an acrobatic journey through the urban life. Come watch jugglers and trapeze artists at the opening performance, 7:30 p.m. in the Neal Blaisdell Center. For tickets, call 593-2468.

PHOTO: COURTESY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Go Hither and Zither Oct. 4

photo: courtesy Korean Zither Musicians Association

Kayagum, the national instrument of Korea, is a 12-stringed zither with a base shaped like a ram’s head. Hear the Korean Zither Musicians’ Association 12-member ensemble play the subtly expressive instrument, with a tone like the human voice, at 7:30 p.m. at UH’s Orvis Auditorium.

Walk through a sculpture of a 60-foot-long Megalodon, the prehistoric shark that became extinct 2 million years ago, at the Bishop Museum’s newest exhibit: “Megalodon: Largest Shark That Ever Lived.” Also, learn about what the shark ate, its size and structure, how long it lived, how it evolved and why it became extinct. 848-4168.

Drink Like the Ancient Hawaiians Oct. 11

Photo: Kava festival

Kava is the original pau hana drink. The Kava Festival, also known in Hawaii as the Awa Festival, features live local music, with entertainers such as Guy Cruz and Makana, talk story sessions with Uncle Jeri on coconuts and poi pounding, kava preparation demonstrations, and, of course, kava sampling at UH Manoa’s McCarthy Mall from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.kavafestival.org.

Visit VegasOct. 15

Can’t wait till your next trip for blackjack and roulette? Come check out the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Honolulu’s Chopsticks and Wine 2008 “Vino Las Vegas,” and indulge in sampling stations featuring culinary delights from Hawaii’s finest restaurants. Tickets cost $90; for High Roller tickets pay an extra $60 and taste five different wines with a complimentary wine glass. 949-5531, www.honolulujapanesechamber.org.

Crawl On Over Oct. 18-19

Photo: Courtesy oh! baby family expo

At the Oh! Baby Family Expo in the Neal Blaisdell Arena, keiki can learn sign language or meet Winnie the Pooh and Strawberry Shortcake. Don’t miss the Twins Fashion Show, or the interactive Bubble Show, where you’ll see bubbles inside of bubbles. www.ohbabyfamilyexpo.com.

Get Goosebumps Oct. 31

Listen to local ghost stories on the water at the Wild Dolphin Foundation’s “Ghost Ship” Halloween fundraiser. Set sail into the sunset at 5:30 p.m. out of Waianae Small Boat Harbor for a three-hour spooktacular voyage. $99 per person, 306-7273.